Things to do in Kanazawa

Activities, attractions and tours

Nagamachi Samurai District which includes a sunset and night scenes
Nagamachi Samurai District which includes a sunset and night scenes
Kanazawa showing a city and a high rise building
Kanazawa Castle which includes heritage architecture
Oyama Shrine showing heritage architecture
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What to do in Kanazawa

Popular places to visit

Omicho Market which includes street scenes and night scenes

Omicho Market

4.5/5(11 reviews)

During your visit to Kanazawa, you can do some window-shopping at Omicho Market. Amble around this culturally rich area's gardens or experience its museums.

Omicho Market
Kanazawa showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements

Kenrokuen Garden

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Kenrokuen Garden, a lovely green space in Kanazawa. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa Castle which includes heritage architecture

Kanazawa Castle

4.5/5(13 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Kanazawa when you stop by Kanazawa Castle. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Castle
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art featuring outdoor art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

4.5/5(6 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Nagamachi District. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum which includes signage

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

You can study the exhibits at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Kanazawa. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three in Kanazawa and the most interesting.

Higashi Chaya District

Learn about the local history of Kanazawa when you take a trip to Higashi Chaya District. Make time to visit the monuments and shops while you're in the area.

Higashi Chaya District
Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine

4.5/5(4 reviews)

After visiting Oyama Shrine, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kanazawa. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Oyama Shrine
Main exit after the tour of the building. Get down low.

Kanazawa Castle Park

Explore the great outdoors at Kanazawa Castle Park, a lovely green space in Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Umimirai Library showing interior views

Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Kanazawa Umimirai Library is just one of the places to see in Kanazawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Areas of Kanazawa

#Japan

Downtown Kanazawa

While visiting Downtown Kanazawa, you might make a stop by sights like Kanazawa Castle Park and Kanazawa Castle.

Downtown Kanazawa
犀川大橋周辺の風景

Katamachi

When in Katamachi, you can plan a visit to Nomura Samurai House and Nishi Chaya District, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Katamachi
Cinemonde showing theater scenes and interior views

Korinbo

5/5(2 area reviews)

Korinbo might not have many top sights, but Nomura Samurai House and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Korinbo
Hiraokano Shrine

Hirooka

Though Hirooka may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ishikawa Ongakudo and Omicho Market.

Hirooka
The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three in Kanazawa and the most interesting.

Higashi Chaya District

You'll enjoy the museums and shopping in Higashi Chaya District. You might want to make time for a stop at Higashi Chaya District or Ochaya Shima.

Higashi Chaya District
Nagamachi Samurai District which includes a sunset and night scenes

Nagamachi Samurai District

If you're spending some time in Nagamachi Samurai District, Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum and Nomura Samurai House are top sights worth seeing.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Frequently asked questions

Is Kanazawa worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Kanazawa is explore Kanazawa Castle. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa Castle and Kanazawa Castle Park are two awesome places to start your adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Kanazawa while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kanazawa?
The top tourist attraction in Kanazawa is Kanazawa Castle, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Kanazawa?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum with a three-day escape to Kanazawa. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Kaga.
Is Kanazawa a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Kanazawa, such as Kanazawa Castle and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Kanazawa is Hirooka and Korinbo is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kanazawa with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Kanazawa with kids.

What to do in Kanazawa for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Kanazawa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to D.T. Suzuki Museum or Kanazawa Phonograph Museum.
Are there free things to do in Kanazawa?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Kanazawa is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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